The 114th meeting of the Joint Tax Board was held from the 19th to 21st June, 2006 at Gateway Hotel, Abeokuta , Ogun State .

The Board considered various issues and reached the following major decisions:

AUTONOMY OF TAX AUTHORITIES

The Board noted that some States have granted Financial and Operational to their Internal Revenue Service in the interest of greater efficiency and urged other States to follow suit. It also urged the National Assembly to expedite action on the passage of the FIRS Bill currently before it. It noted that the percentage cost of collection is an intrinsic part of the financial autonomy for fax authorities.

OPERATION OF ASSOCIATIONS COLLECTING ILLEGAL TAXES

The Federal High Court sitting in Abuja has declared incompetent the action instituted against the Joint Tax Board by Joint Revenue Association (JORA). The board welcomes the decision of the Federal High Court and enjoined the public not to enter into any transaction with this and other similar entities.

TAXATION ALLOWANCES

The Board observed that most establishments do not tax allowances of their employees in accordance with the law. This is punishable under the relevant provision of the Personal Income Tax Act, CAP P8, LFN 2004. Federal and States Revenue Authorities are accordingly encouraged to take legal action against establishment in compliance with the provisions of the law.

REVIEW OF ROAD TAXES

The Board considered and reviewed the rate of road taxes. The new rates will come into effect from 1st August, 2006.

PHYSICAL CAPTURE FOR DRIVER’S LICENCE

The Board resolved that the physical capture for Enhanced National Driver’s Licence came into effect 1st March, 2006. After the lapse of the transition period, the scanning system will cease operational by 3oth June 2006. The Board therefore requests their respective Governments to s et up more Work-Stations to take full advantage of physical capture and a void loss of revenue.

TRANSFER OF NUMBER PLATE

The Board hereby notifies the public that the transfer of standard number plate from one registered vehicle to another is against the National Road Traffic Regulations, 2004 and enjoined the public to desist from such practice.